Description:
Folic acid is needed to make energy, and produce red and white
blood cells. It also functions by helping with the metabolism of
protein. This nutrient may also help with depression and anxiety.
Folic acid is a very important nutrient during pregnancy. It helps
to regulate embryonic and fetal nerve cell formation. Studies have
shown that a daily intake of 400 mcg in women planning to become
pregnant may prevent the vast majority of birth defects. Folic acid
works best when taken with vitamin C and B-12. Symptoms of folic
acid deficiency are: sore red tongue, anemia, apathy, digestive
problems, fatigue, memory problems, and muscle weakness. Folic acid
deficiency may be caused by only eating vegetables that are cooked.
Cooking is known to destroy folic acid.
Complimentary Nutrients:
B complex, B12, biotin, pantothenic acid, and C.
Antagonists:
Fever, tobacco, alcohol, heat of cooking, microwaved food, celiac
disease, coffee, stress, oral contraceptives, and sulfa drugs.
Health Benefits:
Blood. glands, liver. appetite stimulant, cell growth & reproduction,
circulation. DNA production. hydrochloric acid production, liver
performance, nucleic acid formation, protein metabolism, red blood
cell formation
Therapeutic Uses:
Mental illness, fatigue, stomach ulcers, alcoholism, atherosclerosis,
circulatory problems, epilepsy, anemia, menstrual problems, baldness,
and stress
Vitamin Therapies should be done with the supervision of a qualified
health care professional. In the panel on the left, under ailments
you can find more information about treatments for some of these
conditions. You can also locate therapeutic information on this
site by using the search engine - click on 'Search' in the panel
on your left - and entering words relating to the ailment you are
interested in.
Deficiency Indicators:
Memory impairment, insomnia, anemia, digestive disturbances, growth
problems, graying hair, and tongue inflammation.
Dosage:
| RDA |
Optimal Health |
Therapeutic Amounts |
| 400 mcg (males), 400 mcg (females) |
800 mcg |
1-5 mg |
RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) are dosages developed by the
FDA. These amounts are designed to prevent deficiency symptoms.
For optimal health it is necessary to take a larger dose. The optimal
health amounts are for adults and children weighing over 100 lbs.
Children under the age of six should be given nutritional formulas
designed specifically for young children. The therapeutic amounts
to treat special conditions are usually much higher, and should
not be taken without the supervision of a qualified health care
professional.
Sources:
Good sources for folic acid are: beef, bran, brown rice, chicken,
dates, green leafy vegetables, lamb, legumes, lentils, liver, mushrooms,
oranges, split peas, pork, root vegetables, salmon, tuna, wheat
germ, whole grains, citrus fruits, eggs, milk products, organ meats,
and seafood. Here are some examples.
| Food |
Amount |
MCG |
| spinach |
1/2 Cup |
250 |
| salmon |
1/2 cup |
870 |
